The Artsy Ace Hotel Palm Springs, An Oasis From All That Ails You

Palm Springs, the desert oasis made famous by old Hollywood movie stars. They needed an escape from LA and contracts stated they couldn’t be more than two hours away from the studios. Palm Springs was born as the place to get away from it all. With warm breezes, no one to bother you and sun for as many hours a day as you can handle it was the playground of the rich and fabulous from Hollywood. The Palm Springs of today is less about Hollywood, although some still have homes here, and more about art, culture, drag queens and the ever present Mid-Century Modern architecture. The artsy Ace Hotel Palm Springs is a classic example of a refreshed Westward Ho Motel and Denny’s turned into a hipster chic art hotel and swim club. Shall we dive in? The pool is amazing.

For the past four years, I have been coming to the Ace Hotel Palm Springs for a Summer “unconference” called Yes & Yes Yes. For four glorious days, I hang out with some fabulously creative people and recharge my batteries in the desert all while floating in a salt water pool. It is a magical time of year for me and the only one other than Christmas that is locked in my calendar.

There is plenty of parking at the Ace Hotel, so if you have rented a car you shouldn’t have any problems finding parking fairly close to your room. Parking, along with internet, pool & gym club access is included in the $31 a day resort fee. Once you have checked in and received your room key it is off to find to find it. Thankfully they provide maps if you are unsure. The compound is quite large and sprawling so it takes a bit to get used to the layout on your first visit. Every room opens outside with many having private patios or common fireplace outdoor lounges.

I have reserved a King Lounge as I am sharing the room with my friend Lauren. It features a king bed and two twin beds. Great for young families or two friends. Lauren took the twin beds and “closed” the canvas curtains to provide her with privacy and block out the light at night.

The room also comes with a small desk, flat screen TV, mini fridge and a small enclosed patio just for us. What’s covering the wall you ask? It is sailing canvas and it covers must of the room walls. The Ace Hotel, in general, has a very nautical theme in its decor choices. Canvas, anchor and rope design prints for the house coats, and plenty of ropes and knots in the front lobby.

The bathroom is split into an enclosed room that contains the toilet and shower while there are dual vanity sinks open to the rest of the room.

Above the sinks, you will find the “mini bar” contents available for you to purchase. It is quite a nice selection and the prices are quite reasonable. Very top shelf.

To be honest, I don’t spend much time in the room while at the Ace Hotel Palm Springs. I spend all my time in the pool! There are two to choose from, but I spend 99% of my time in the main pool. I live in this pool during the four days of the unconference and some of the best conversations I’ve had in my lifetime have occurred here.

Outside of the pool, you can spend time at the Kings’ Highway, the Amigo Room or outside under the misters on the patio. I’ve enjoyed many an Avocado Toast here, not to mention some great cocktails.

This is only a quick glimpse of all that the Ace Hotel Palm Springs has to offer. The newly set up gym is a great place to workout and it is air conditioned to boot. The hotel is also just a 2.3-mile drive to the centre of town or a quick Uber or Lyft if you don’t want to drive.

It is so easy to understand why Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin fell in love with Palm Springs. I have as well and always look forward to my return. Thank you, Ace Hotel for a lovely weekend escape from my life. It was just what I needed.

About Author

Marc Smith is a former event planner turned vagabond adventurer. He loves strong Americano's, great wine, cold beer and zip lining over tree tops.
Formerly of Vancouver, most of Marc's time when not travelling is in Canada's largest city, Toronto. Follow along on his nomad adventures and discover places to stay, things to do and where to eat & drink as he explores the world one city and region at a time.